Elderly man arrested after shooting at deputy

Monday

Oct 5, 2009 at 12:01 AMOct 6, 2009 at 1:06 AM

By AUSTIN L. MILLEROcala Star-Banner

OCALA – An elderly man accused of firing shots at a sheriff’s deputy on Monday evening during a well-being check was taken into custody by officials not long after the incident and charged with attempted murder on a law enforcement official.

Deputies say around 6:45 p.m., they received a call from a relative wanting them to check on 80-year-old Thomas Taveriner, who reportedly was making threats.

Officials say the elderly man picked up a gun and fired what they believed to be two shots at a glass door. The glass shattered, and some of it struck the deputy in his face.

The deputy gave the man verbal commands to drop the weapon and returned fire. It’s unknown as to how many shots the deputy fired, or what type of weapon Taveriner had in his possession. Deputies plan to obtain a search warrant for the home, and at that time some questions will be answered such as the weapon used by Taveriner.

Officials say the deputy, along with Taveriner’s son, retreated as Hughes called for backup.

Other deputies arrived at the scene and one of them talked with the 80-year-old man, trying to convince him to come out peacefully.

Roughly 30 minutes after the exchange of gunfire, officials say Taveriner surrendered to authorities. He was transported to Munroe Regional Medical Center for treatment, apparently from receiving cuts on his fingers.

Hughes, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Monday and is a sheriff’s deputy for three years, was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center for treatment to his face. Hughes's relatives, who were at the hospital, declined an interview only to say that's he's doing well and is expected to go home soon.

Deputies say the arrested man has a history of alcohol abuse.

On Tuesday, deputies say when Taveriner’s son came home from work he went to the neighbor’s home and saw his mom and she was upset because her husband had thrown her out of the home. Officials say they were told the woman takes her keys with her because her husband has a history of kicking her out of the home.